Reviews with content warning for Death - O Quarto de Giovanni

this book sucked me down into a black hole and wouldn't let me back out until I finished it (which didn't take me long -- I was captivated). I can feel the book hangover coming.

a devastating, beautiful, and ultimately tragic look at one man's struggle with his intense internalized homophobia and his affair with another man in 1950s Paris. David is a deeply unlikeable main character who is unable to come to terms with himself (to the detriment of those around him). no one comes out a winner here, and it would be unrealistic if they did. in weird ways, this book made me feel similar to how Stoner by John Williams made me feel -- simultaneously disgusted, heartbroken, and empty.

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imnotarke's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

this was an experience. a true depiction about the process of escape, acceptance, and grief. the characters were problematic, but real, and you are left wishing the best outcomes for them despite the flaws and distaste.

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ameliaj_adams's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book had some great writing but I just really struggled to get into the story. The characters were just so unlikeable! There’s also a lot of misogyny in this book and it just felt like it was missing something.

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lilbrisket's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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bookiemadi's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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amberlen's review against another edition

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challenging sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I had to grapple with this book a little.
Especially for it's length it is a complex & nuanced story. Truly well crafted. I appreciated all the layers Giovanni & David's relationship had, as well as the troubled relationship David had with his homosexuality.
But the misogyny? Oh, boy. On a different level.
And listen, it was the 50s and it's not as if some misogynistic views weren't believable for these characters. I guess it is understandable that these gay men would resent women somewhat and their internalised homophobia explains why they despise more feminine men. In addition, the women in this novel did get their own voice & called men out from time to time.
However, making every single feminine man despicable is very shady.

And having Giovanni casually admit that he has beaten women and him and David laughing about it was just alienating.

I could have rooted so much more for these characters, if the author had toned this down a bit.

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city_girl_writer's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This amazing classic reminded me of The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

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